CONFEDERATE STATE CAPITOL AT OLD WASHINGTON HISTORIC STATE PARK
P.O. Box 98, Washington, AR 71862, (870) 983-2684

From The Civil War Trust's Official Guide to the Civil War Discovery Trail;
Courtesy of Macmillan Travel

Description: Following the capture of Little Rock by Union troops in September, 1863, the Confederate government of Arkansas fled to Hot Springs for a short time, then eventually settled in the court house at Washington, a major waypoint on the old Southwest Trail to Texas. Here, James Bowie had hired a local blacksmith and knifemaker to fashion the first of what became known as the "Bowie Knife", and both Bowie and Davy Crockett passed through here on their way to Texas and ultimately to the Alamo. Old Washington Historic State Park offers insight into a 19th century community and builds understanding of the people, times, and events of the Territorial, Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction eras in Arkansas history. This was the state capital from 1863-65 and a cultural, economic, and political center, especially after Little Rock was taken by the Union army in 1863. Site is on the Southwest Trail. Two home tours are available, the "Old Town" tour and the "Living in Town" tour, as well as the Old Washington Museum Experience, which includes the gun, blacksmith, and print museums.

Admission Fees: Old Town Tour or Living in Town Tour: Adults: $6.50; Children: $3.25. Old Washington Museum Experience: Adults $6.50 each, Children $3.25. Day pass for both tours and all museums: Adults: $12; Children: $6, Family pass for both tours and all museums: $30.00. 
Parents and dependent children ages 6-16: $27.50.

All prices are plus tax. Groups of 15 or more with advance reservations:
$1 off prices listed.

Open to Public: Daily: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regularly Scheduled Events: Feb.: Valentine's Day dinner in tavern; Mar.: Jonquil Festival with tours, special events, arts and crafts; Apr.: Southwest National Rendezvous (primitive camp, seminars, arts and crafts, and exhibits); July. Aegis; Sept.: Civil War Reenactments Weekend (Old Territorial Days, primitive camp, and demonstrations); Oct.: Frontier Days (19th century crafts) and Moonlight Concert; Nov: Christmas Decorations and Thanksgiving Feast; Dec.: Christmas and Candlelight.

Directions:  From I-30: take exit 30.  Go north on U.S. 278  for 9 miles.
Old Washington State Park is located east and west of U.S. 278; 
information desk is located in the 1874 Courthouse on Southwest Trail, which intersects U.S. 278